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Nanomaterial surface interactions at the molecular level and their impact on ecotoxicity

Objective

As nanotechnology continues to advance at an exponential rate, new products are continuously introduced into the market for research and consumer use. Engineered nanomaterials (ENMs), the functional components in these products, are often specifically designed to exploit the unique properties that nanomaterials exhibit; however, there is a widespread uncertainty on how these new properties may also potentially translate into novel risk issues in the environment. In particular, their high specific surface area and surface reactivity may promote distinct interactions with organisms particularly at the lower trophic levels. This can depend on both the intrinsic and extrinsic properties of ENMs, and can be affected by the formation of an “eco-corona”, which is composed of environmentally derived macromolecules from the milieu in which the ENMs are exposed that adsorb to the ENMs surface. However, understanding these interactions at the molecular level and their mechanistic consequences are severely limited and technically challenging, requiring a cross discipline approach. This project aims to address this knowledge gap by uncovering the underlying mechanisms for the formation and persistence of eco-coronas on a range of ENMs by combining fundamental ENM chemistry, environmental toxicology, advanced optical and mass spectroscopy and imaging techniques. In particular, this project will apply surface enhanced spectroscopic methods to characterise eco-corona composition and evolution and how this affects ENM interactions with, and impact upon unicellular organisms. By correlating the eco-corona composition with uptake route (or accumulation at external membrane) and toxicity response, and by investigating how these ENMs are partitioned within model species, the project proposes to identify the molecular basis that determines the fate and toxicology of ENMs in the environment.

Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)

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Programme(s)

Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.

Topic(s)

Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.

Funding Scheme

Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.

MSCA-IF-EF-ST - Standard EF

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Call for proposal

Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.

(opens in new window) H2020-MSCA-IF-2014

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Coordinator

UNITED KINGDOM RESEARCH AND INNOVATION
Net EU contribution

Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.

€ 195 454,80
Address
POLARIS HOUSE NORTH STAR AVENUE
SN2 1FL SWINDON
United Kingdom

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Region
South West (England) Gloucestershire, Wiltshire and Bristol/Bath area Swindon
Activity type
Research Organisations
Links
Total cost

The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.

€ 195 454,80
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